AG Bible 101 : What does the Assemblies of God believe about healing? A Memphis perspective

The Assemblies of God teaches that divine healing is an integral part of the gospel, provided through Christ's atonement. We believe God heals the sick today through faith-filled prayer, though we also value medical science as a means through which God provides care and restoration to our community.

A Message from FA Memphis

Whether you’re walking through the humidity of a Memphis July or navigating a season of personal struggle, the question of "Does God still heal?" is more than just a theological debate, it’s a lifeline. At First Assembly Memphis, we see the 901 as a place of grit, grace, and great need. Connecting our faith to our physical well-being is central to our mission of helping you find practical, Christ-centered solutions for every area of your life.

The Big Picture: Why Healing Matters

In the Assemblies of God (AG), we don’t view healing as an "optional extra" or a rare spiritual lottery win. It is one of our 4 Cardinal Doctrines. These are the four big pillars that define who we are. If the gospel were a house, healing would be one of the corners holding the whole thing up.

Divine Healing: The supernatural power of God applied to the human body, mind, or spirit, restoring health and wholeness through the merit of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.

We believe that when Jesus died on the cross, He didn't just deal with our "spiritual" problems. He cared about the whole person. This belief is anchored in the "Atonement."

Definition Block: Atonement

Atonement: The work of Jesus Christ on the cross (His suffering and death) which pays the price for sin and provides for the reconciliation of humanity to God, including spiritual and physical restoration.

A soft watercolor painting of an open Bible resting on a rustic wooden table, with sunlight streaming through a window, highlighting Isaiah 53.

The Biblical Anchor

Our stance isn't based on wishful thinking; it’s rooted in the Word. There are two primary passages that form the bedrock of this belief:

1. Isaiah 53:4-5: "Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering... and by his wounds we are healed."

2. Matthew 8:16-17: This New Testament passage explicitly links Jesus' healing of the sick to the prophecy in Isaiah.

In the 901, we know that life can be tough. We see the toll that stress, illness, and trauma take on our neighbors in Cordova, Bartlett, and across Memphis. The AG perspective is that God’s nature is fundamentally that of a Healer. In the Old Testament, He reveals Himself as Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals you.

The Four Cardinal Doctrines

To understand healing, you have to see where it fits in the broader picture of what we believe at FA Memphis.

Doctrine	The Focus	The Scriptural Goal
Salvation	Jesus as Savior	Spiritual New Birth (John 3:3)
Baptism in the Holy Spirit	Jesus as Baptizer	Power for Witnessing (Acts 1:8)
Divine Healing	Jesus as Healer	Physical & Emotional Wholeness (James 5:14-16)
The Second Coming	Jesus as Soon-Coming King	Eternal Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Faith Meets Medicine in Memphis

One of the most common questions we get at First Assembly Memphis is: "If I believe in divine healing, does that mean I shouldn't go to the doctor?"

The answer is a firm, gracious no.

We believe that God is the source of all healing. Sometimes He heals through a miracle that leaves doctors scratching their heads. Other times, He heals through the skill of a surgeon at Baptist Memorial or the medicine prescribed at a clinic in Bartlett. We view doctors and nurses as partners in God’s work of restoration.

Using medical resources isn't a "lack of faith." It's using the tools God has provided. We pray first, trust God always, and follow the wisdom He gives through medical professionals.

A watercolor scene of two people sitting on a porch in a Memphis neighborhood, one person’s hand resting gently on the other’s shoulder in a moment of supportive prayer.

How Do We Actually Pray for Healing?

In the AG tradition, and specifically here at FA Memphis, we follow the roadmap laid out in James 5:14-16. This isn't about a showy performance; it's about humble obedience.

1. Call the Elders: If someone is sick, they are encouraged to ask the church leadership for prayer.

2. Anointing with Oil: We use oil as a symbolic act of consecration, signifying the presence and work of the Holy Spirit.

3. The Prayer of Faith: We pray with confidence, knowing that God hears us, while submitting to His ultimate will and timing.

4. Confession: James mentions confessing sins to one another. Often, spiritual or emotional weights can affect our physical health, and finding freedom in Christ helps the whole person.

The "Already and Not Yet" Tension

We have to be honest and pastoral here: not everyone we pray for is healed instantly. This is what theologians call the "already and not yet" period.

• Already: Christ has won the victory over sickness and death. We see miracles and healings today!

• Not Yet: We still live in a broken world where bodies age and eventually fail. The "ultimate" healing for every believer happens in the presence of God in eternity.

If you or a loved one are waiting for a breakthrough, know that you are not alone. Our community at FA Memphis is here to walk with you through the waiting, providing comfort and strength.

A watercolor of a bright, hopeful sunrise over the Mississippi River, symbolizing the hope of new beginnings and God's faithfulness.

Next Steps for You

Whether you are in the 901 or joining us via Boundless Online Church, here is how you can apply this today:

1. Seek Prayer Locally If you are in Memphis, Bartlett, or Cordova, come visit us for a service. We regularly have times of prayer for the sick. You can also check our Prayer and Praise page to share a request.

2. Dive Deeper into the Word Growth happens when we align our minds with Scripture. Listen to recent messages about the nature of Christ to build your faith.

3. Join a Life Group Healing often happens in the context of relationship. Our Life Groups provide a safe place to share your struggles and receive prayer from friends who care.

A watercolor illustration of a small group of diverse people gathered in a living room, talking and laughing, representing community and support.

Daily Quest: Alignment Task

To help you align with this truth today, try this simple "quest":

• Identify: One area of your life (physical, emotional, or spiritual) where you need God’s restorative touch.

• Scripture: Read Isaiah 53:4-5 aloud.

• Action: Text our prayer line (number below) with your specific request. Let us stand with you.

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Reach Out for Support

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341.

(Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)

Connect with Us:

• Local (901): Join us in person at First Assembly Memphis. Check out our I'm New page to plan your visit. We can't wait to welcome you to the family.

• Global: If you aren't in the Memphis area, you are a vital part of our Boundless Online Church community. Distance is no barrier to the power of God.

Find more resources and our history at www.famemphis.net.